PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh-area sports radio host Mark Madden was permanently taken off the air by ESPN.

A Pittsburgh newspaper quoted Madden as saying he had hoped Sen. Edward Kennedy "would live long enough to be assassinated." The Massachusetts Democrat has a brain tumor.

Madden made the remark during his show last Wednesday. The show has aired weekdays from 3 to 7 p.m. on 1250 ESPN. Madden was last heard on the air Thursday, the day before his comments appeared in the newspaper.

ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz says the network removed Madden from the air "pursuant to our contractual rights." He says the comment was inappropriate and that ESPN and Madden had apologized to listeners.

Madden could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

NEW YORK — Big Brown was back on the track a day earlier than expected, and he looked better than ever.The Triple Crown hopeful went out for a 1Z\x-mile jog around Belmont Park on a rainy Tuesday morning, the first time since Friday the unbeaten colt was out exercising since a crack was discovered on the inside of his left front hoof.Asked if Big Brown looked as good as he did before the Preakness on May 17, trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. said, "I think he looks even better then he did in Baltimore."Big Brown will attempt to become the first Triple Crown champion in 30 years, since Affirmed in 1978, in the Belmont Stakes on June 7.

JACKSON TWP — The Seneca Valley boys lacrosse team will host North Allegheny in a Division 1 semifinal at 8 p.m. today at NexTier Stadium.The winner meets the survivor of Mount Lebanon-Bethel Park Saturday at Bethel Park.

MILWAUKEE— In an effort to bolster its bullpen, the Milwaukee Brewers signed 35-year-old Julian Tavarez and optioned left-hander Zach Jackson to Triple A Nashville.Jackson, a Seneca Valley graduate, was 0-0 with a 4.91 ERA in two games with the Brewers. He allowed two earned runs in 3X\c innings with one strikeout and two walks.Tavarez had been released by the Boston Red Sox earlier this month. He was 0-1 with a 6.39 ERA in nine games.

Butler residents Brandon Abbott, Natalie Smith and Brad Gallagher won their respective mower races Monday at Shadetree Speedway.Complete results follow:<B>Youth stock kart 6-11:</B> Brandon Abbott (Butler), Gregory Sherwin (Parker), Cole Miller (Chicora)<B>Youth stock kart 12-15:</B>Natalie Smith (Butler), Jordan Little (Prospect), Sterling Theissis (Clarion)<B>Youth blue kart: </B>Brad Gallagher (Butler), Nathan Ehrman (Butler), Dylan Weber (Prospect)<B>Light kart:</B>Keith Sherwin (Butler), Ralph Spithaler (Evans City), Derrick Davidson (Saxonburg), Joey Deal (Karns City), Shawn Fleeger (Butler), Lollie White (Evans City), Ralph Engel Jr. (Prospect), Adam Nolan (Ambridge)<B>Heavy kart:</B>Glen Nolan (Beaver Falls), Darin Gallagher (Butler), Matt Thompson (Ellwood City)<B>Adult blue kart: </B>Glen Nolan (Beaver Falls), Aron Easler (Butler), Jerry Weiland (Butler), Dave George, Ralph Engel Jr. (Prospect), Randy Weber (Portersville), Tom Brenneman, Rex Brandt (Evans City)<B>75-lap relay:</B>Glen Nolan, Adam Nolan and Ralph Engel Jr.; Ralph Spithaler, John Smith and Syvan Easler; Ben Easler and Brian Connor; Randy Weber, Bob Hicks and Tom Brenneman; Jerry Weiland, Dave Pflochan and Larry Boyle; Darin Gallagher, Steve Feder and Matthew Feder; Keisha Weiland, Tory Galle and Crystal Scott.